Rate this book

The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History (2009)

by John Ortved(Favorite Author)

3.27 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0865479887 (ISBN13: 9780865479883)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Faber & Faber

review 1: This book is largely compiled of snippets from interviews with various people related to the Simpsons, and this is a good thing. The parts actually written by the author, though occasionally contributing interesting opinions or information, tend to be poorly written or at least poorly proofread and fact-checked. For someone with such a great interest in the history of the Simpsons and who claims such fandom for the series, the repeated mistakes regarding basic Simpsons information really make any Simpsons fan reading the book question how thorough his research really was. It's fine if you're a fan of the Simpsons and are confused about how to spell Waylon (not Wayland) Smithers or get Patty and Selma confused with one another, but it's unacceptable to write a book about th... moree Simpsons and still make these errors. Fact-checking and proofreading should be essential tools in an author's kit, and when such information is common knowledge to most of the target audience for a book or is at least very, very easy to look up (a simple google search will do the trick) it's particularly embarrassing for the author to not bother doing the research. Though the information in the interview clips is very interesting, the poor research makes, to my mind, everything a little suspect.Apart from the factual errors and several spelling errors, this was overall an interesting read that gave me some new insight into the workings of a show that has had a huge impact not only on me personally but also on the world at large. I would say that it's worth reading once, but I'd also take everything with a grain of salt.
review 2: Interesting read. I don't agree on many opinions the author states (over-glamorizing the first four seasons, etc). I kind of lost respect for Matt Groening. James L. Brooks is an ego-maniacal asshole. And the reason why I like the show so much is due to David Mirkin, John Swartzwelder, Sam Simon, and Conan O'Brien. Also, the reason why the show has suffered so much is mostly due to the showrunner, Al Jean. I wished there were more quotes from the voice talent, however. less

Download links for: The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History

Advertising